Retired American teacher, 70, killed

CEBU, Philippines - A 70-year-old American national was found dead dawn yesterday inside his rented house at Phase 3 Santa Catalina subdivision, sitio Ilang-ilang, barangay Lagtang in Talisay City.

SPO1 Mikie Espina, PO1 Stephen Sefuesca, and PO1 Edwin Campomanes, responding to an alarm, found Robert Leroy Turner, a retired teacher and native of Tennessee, USA, lying on the floor at the second floor of his house, with nothing on, and a blanket tied around his neck, hands, and feet.

He was also found gagged, with blood coming out of his mouth, Espina said.

Espina said the police are looking at robbery as the motive for the killing, as Turner’s wallet and cellular phone were reported missing.

They also have a strong hunch the criminal and Turner knew each other the fact that no signs of forced entry were found.

Since the house was in a mess, the police presumed Turner put up a fight.

Espina said last May a neighbor heard Turner shouting for help and told police about it.

The police found the American hogtied but he refused to identify his attacker or attackers, Espina said.

He said the police had heard about Turner bringing very young girls to his house on a daily basis.

Yesterday, at Turner’s house, the police found lists of names of girls and when they were to visit him.

Last Wednesday, at around 2:00 p.m., neighbors saw two girls enter the American’s house and stayed until 10:00 p.m.

Espina said the police will look at the footages from a Close Circuit Television (CCTV) camera.  (FREEMAN)